Weetabix Breakfast Smoothie with Berries

Weetabix Breakfast Smoothie with Berries and Chia Seeds - Lose 9lb in 9 Weeks! For anyone that doesn't know, I am trying to lose 9lb in 9 weeks. Can I do it? I say yes I can! Why 9 weeks, because we are going on holiday and I want to look better.

Although we don't eat junk food and do eat more veg than I care to mention, we do love cheese and eat far too much of it and it has to stop.

We do need to cut down, not just to lose weight, but to stay healthy. Everyone knows that eating a lot of bread is a sure way of piling on the pounds and usually for breakfast, I have two slices of toast.

On the days I go to work in my morning break I have another slice of toast.

We get a 15-minute break which isn't time to eat properly but I know I could do better, it's just for quickness I think.

At weekends when I'm not working we (me and Paul the husband) have a bacon and egg sandwich and that too has to stop.

So the new healthier me is going to happen. Luckily I don't have a lot of weight to lose but I know I will feel better about myself if (sorry when) I do so I'm giving it a go. Apart from 12 years ago when I wasn't very well, I've weighed 8 stone 4lb since forever - until now.

Suddenly and I mean suddenly (must be my age I think) yes I'm 53 and I've put on 9lb so I now weigh 8 stone 13lb. That's just one pound off of 9 stone and if I carry on where will it end? Time to get a grip!

Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods out there. They are loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits for your body and brain. I was sent some from The Natural Health Market and have only just got round to trying them. Marvellous they are too.

Chia seeds have formed a vital part of the South American diet for centuries, and are well known for their many health benefits. Although small, the seeds are packed with protein and fiber, filled with essential amino acids and are high in antioxidants. They also contain calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium.

Inspired by my Froothie Optimum 9200 Power blender, I came up with this recipe. I'm not a one for adding up calories since I find it gets too confusing.

All I know is this smoothie really does fill you up and it's got to be better than toast or indeed a bacon and egg sandwich. It's so easy to make too.

Okay, I'm not saying that this smoothie is really low in calories (it works out to something like 350kcal per serving).

But the way I look at it is this, will keep you going until lunchtime and in my case, it better than my usual toast (Warburtons Farmhouse with Flora light) is around 260kcal then I'm thinking this is the way to go.

If you don't have time to make this in the morning and I certainly don't (I'm out of the house at 5.15 am) you can make it the night before and leave it in the fridge.

*Please note if you don't have a Power blender you will need to soak the goji berries (use a little of the milk) for a say 15 minutes before blending.

I use the Froothie Optimum 9200 Next Generation POWER Blender simply because I believe it's the BEST blender out there. It crushes ice in seconds and is easy to use too, it has three speeds and three timer settings including a handy pulse button.

The Optimum 9200 is a commercial-grade super blender designed for longevity, versatility and BRAWN. Stronger, faster and more powerful than a Vitamix, the Optimum 9200 will enable you to make amazing soups, the silkiest smoothies, super smooth dips, nut butter, ice cream and more.

In my opinion, this really is the best blender you'll ever use and the last blender you'll ever need. Once you try it, you'll wish you'd had it all your life. The 6 blade assembly creates a vortex that will suck your ingredients down and make blending a breeze. It's also super easy to clean and maintain by simply blending water in the jug at high speed.